Cooking
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, approximately 400–450 g
- 4 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (120 g) whole-wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach or bell pepper (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a square baking dish, approximately 8 x 8 inches, with olive oil or line it with baking paper.
Preparing the dish before mixing the ingredients makes it easier to transfer the zucchini mixture directly into the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off both ends. Using a box grater, grate the zucchini into a large bowl.
Zucchini contains a lot of water, so removing some of that moisture is essential for getting a slice that holds together rather than becoming soggy.
Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towel. Squeeze firmly to remove as much excess liquid as possible.
Do not worry about making the zucchini completely dry. Removing the excess water is enough to help the slice bake properly.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion and Herbs
Finely chop the onion and parsley. If you are adding spinach or bell pepper, chop those ingredients into small pieces as well.
Small pieces distribute more evenly throughout the mixture and make the finished slices easier to cut.
For extra flavor, you can lightly sauté the onion in a small amount of olive oil for 2–3 minutes before adding it. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing it with the eggs.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk until the yolks and whites are combined.
Add the milk and olive oil, then whisk again until smooth.
The eggs help bind the ingredients together, while the milk contributes moisture and a tender texture.
Step 5: Add the Zucchini and Seasonings
Add the squeezed zucchini, chopped onion, parsley, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture.
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
If you are using spinach or bell pepper, add them at this stage.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind that cheddar cheese already contributes some saltiness.
Step 6: Add the Flour and Baking Powder
In a separate small bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
Add the dry ingredients to the zucchini mixture and stir gently until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the texture heavier than necessary.
The mixture should be thick but moist enough to spread into the baking dish. If it appears unusually watery, squeeze the zucchini a little more thoroughly next time or add a small amount of extra flour.
Step 7: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly into the corners.
Sprinkle a little extra cheese over the top if you would like a golden, cheesy crust.
Make sure the mixture is distributed evenly so that the center and edges cook at approximately the same rate.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes.
The zucchini slice should become lightly golden on top and firm in the center. Cooking time may vary depending on the moisture in your zucchini and the size of your baking dish.
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out without wet batter clinging to it.
If the top is browning too quickly while the middle remains soft, loosely cover the dish with foil and continue baking until cooked through.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the zucchini slice to rest for 10–15 minutes.
This resting period helps it set, making it easier to cut into neat squares or rectangles.
Use a sharp knife to divide the slice into six portions. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference.
Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a fresh salad for a simple, balanced meal.
Tips for the Best Healthy Zucchini Slice
Remove excess moisture: This is the most important step. Too much liquid can leave the center wet and prevent the slice from setting properly.
Choose fresh zucchini: Medium zucchini are easy to grate and generally have a good balance of flesh and moisture.
Grate the cheese yourself: Freshly grated cheese often melts smoothly, although packaged shredded cheese is also suitable.
Use whole-wheat flour: Whole-wheat flour adds a slightly heartier flavor and more fiber than refined flour.
Do not overbake: Bake until the center is set. Excessive cooking can make the eggs dry and the edges too firm.
Let it rest before cutting: Allowing the slice to cool slightly helps it hold its shape.
Customize the vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, grated carrot, spring onions, and bell peppers all work well. Cook watery vegetables first when necessary.
Delicious Variations
1. Zucchini and Feta Slice
Replace half the cheddar with crumbled feta cheese. Add a little fresh dill or parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
2. High-Protein Zucchini Slice
Add extra egg whites or a little more cheese to increase the protein content. You can also serve each portion with plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
3. Gluten-Free Zucchini Slice
Replace the regular flour with a suitable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Follow the blend’s package instructions, as some mixtures absorb moisture differently.
4. Vegetable-Packed Zucchini Slice
Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, grated carrot, or spring onions. Keep the total amount of vegetables reasonable and remove excess moisture to avoid a soggy result.
5. Dairy-Free Zucchini Slice
Use an unsweetened plant-based milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Check the ingredients and moisture level of the substitute, as the final texture may vary.
Serving Suggestions
This zucchini slice is delicious served warm with a tomato and cucumber salad. For breakfast, enjoy a square alongside fresh fruit or plain yogurt.
For lunch, pair it with leafy greens dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. It also works well as a convenient afternoon snack when you want something savory instead of a sweet treat.
If you are serving a family, cut the slice into smaller squares and offer a selection of salads or roasted vegetables on the side.
Storage and Meal Prep
Allow the zucchini slice to cool before storing it in an airtight container.
- **Refrigerator
